Kingdom Hearts 3, Apex Legends, Overwatch, and other games are becoming really hard to put down. While there’s nothing wrong with have a marathon session or two We still need to care about our health. Even the simplest of changes can make a huge difference.
Here are some of my favorite simple ways to keep my health up during hardcore runs of my favorite games. Seriously, how else would we survive?
1. Set a workout as a prerequisite for the gaming session.
This tip is probably the most obvious of choices but it works wonders. Really want to finish that storyline in Assassin’s Creed Odysessy or grind out levels in Apex Legends? Sure you can but you gotta work out first. Simple as one workout before a big game session. Looking for inspiration? Sites like Darebee offer workouts that cater to people of all skill levels. They even have themed ones like Tomb Raider or Batman.
2. Exercise between rounds, quests, or matches.
This is another change that requires minimal effort. Just set a rule for loading screens, wins/losses, queue times. For example, my friends play who Smash Ultimate do 10 push ups or sit ups between matches, loser does 5 more. I personally practice chair exercises between Overwatch matches or long queue times for competitive games. It’s totally up to you how much you want to do. This versatile tip works for most games. You can get #swole and #goodatgames at the same time.
3. Get comfy!
This tip has a different meaning for how you game. For example, PC gamers make sure you are in a comfy chair that supports your back (or add a pillow for +10 comfy factor.) Your wrists are important should be supported by sitting higher in your chair or wrist supports. Some mouse pads have wrist supports, others you can add on. Personally, I’m broke. That being said, a rolled up washcloth has done wonders for my mouse wrist. For console players, the same back support applies. Resist the urge to lean forward the entire game. Some bosses are gonna require that extra focus lean in towards the screen but your back needs love too.
4. Protect your eyes.
I cannot stress this enough. Please, protect your eyes. A fundamental portion of traditional video games is graphics so we spend hours looking at a screen with focus. The light from the screen can negatively impact our eyesight if exposed to it too long. To avoid these issues, when you can: turn screens on night mode (setting reduces harsh blue tones), take breaks while playing, or get some eye protection like prescription or non-prescription computer glasses.
5. Choose your gaming snacks wisely.
What is a gaming session without snacks? Sad, very sad, that’s what. While foods like Doritos and Mountain Dew have been acclaimed as gamer food there are definitely better options. Go for healthier snacks and drinks: berries, celery, low-calorie beverages, water, and other non-greasy foods work wonders. Low sugar caffeinated drinks are okay but need to be followed up with water since caffiene is a diuretic. We typically eat more food when we are in front of a screen but looking down and seeing you finished the entire crate of strawberries is not a guilt fueling as looking at a finished family-sized bag of Cheetos Puffs. Extra plus, no grease or residue on your controller, mouse, or keyboard.
I hope this helps my fellow gamers out there make tiny adjustments to their lives to be healthier. Whether you try one tip or all of them, you are making an effort to imporve yourself so be proud and game on!
